Shine On

Quotes by some of my favorite writers have appeared from time to time on my blog and occasionally, before posting them, I discover that their origin is not always what I had first thought. Many quotes that are quite well-known are incorrectly attributed. I'd like to share one of my favorites with you.

I first read this while under the impression that it originated with Nelson Mandela in his inauguration speech of 1994. In fact, these words have never been spoken by him, although many powerful and life-affirming quotes are correctly attributed to this very fine man. I have since come to know that it originates with Marianne Williamson, and comes from her book, A Return to Love: Reflections on the Principles of A Course in Miracles, published in 1992. You're probably familiar with it, but I share it today as a reminder to myself and for others who may not remember or be familiar with it. It bears repeating. Often. It's titled "Our Deepest Fear." She states:

Our deepest fear is not that we are inadequate. Our deepest fear is that we are powerful beyond measure. It is our light, not our darkness, that most frightens us. We ask ourselves, who am I to be brilliant, gorgeous, talented, fabulous? Actually, who are you Not to be? You are a child of God. Your playing small does not serve the world. There is nothing enlightened about shrinking so that other people won't feel insecure around you. We are all meant to shine, as children do. We were born to make manifest the glory of God that is within us. It's not just in some of us; it's in everyone. And as we let our own light shine, we unconsciously give other people  permission to do the same. As we are liberated from our own fear, our presence automatically liberates others.

It's another gorgeous day in Minnesota.